Corn Record High

The latest report from USDA’s National Ag Statistics Service confirms what was expected all year last year long – corn production hit a new all time record.

Corn for grain production in 2007 is estimated at 13.1 billion bushels, down 1 percent from the November forecast but 24 percent above 2006. The average U.S. grain yield is estimated at 151.1 bushels per acre, down 1.9 bushels from the November forecast but 2.0 bushels above 2006. The 2007 yield estimate is the second highest on record, behind 2004, while production is the largest on record as producers harvested the most corn acres for grain since
1933.

The full narrative of the crop production summary for 2007 tells a story of corn farmers overcoming adverse weather conditions in many areas of the country to produce this record crop. The second highest yield on record is an amazing accomplishment, especially considering that it factors in very low yields in some areas. In fact, the 2007 corn objective yield survey data indicate the highest number of ears per acre on record for the ten biggest producing states (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin), surpassing the previous record set in 2004.

What does this mean? It means that higher yields are making the difference. Sure, we planted more corn in 2007, but the reason this crop is a record is because of improved varieties, precision nitrogen applications and overall better farming techniques. It means that farmers can meet the ever-increasing demand for corn.